It’s been a big year for Lesvos, which has experienced humanitarian and natural crises, resounding support and international recognition winning an award for the world’s most beautiful street, located in Molyvos.
It’s also been a big year for the Lesvian community of NSW, which has played host to the inaugural "A Taste of Lesvos" extravaganza, a number of new initiatives run by the Mytilenean Brotherhood, and now two fundraisers for the Lesvos Earthquake Appeal.
Rocked by two big earthquakes within two days in mid-June, the island was plunged into a state of emergency. On Sunday 2 July, in addition to all the Greek Orthodox Churches of Australia collecting money in the trays to donate towards the appeal, the Mytilenean House will be hosting a fundraiser barbecue onsite at 1pm.
Continuing the hive of activity will be the world (TV/cable) premiere of Lesvos: fall in Love on Monday 3 July at 7pm on Foxtel's Aurora Channel 183.
Made by London-based film maker Basil Genimahaliotis and Sydney-based writer Billy Cotsis, whose origins are from Lesvos, this quirky, innovative documentary was the first documentary to sell two simultaneous sessions at the Sydney Greek Film Festival last year.
Covering a road trip taken by three friends during the height of the refugee crisis, the documentary provides an excellent insight into the village life of its hospitable people and showcases the charm of this Aegean gem.
“We wanted to showcase a road trip and some of my own stories on the island,” says Cotsis, who has been to the island around twenty times. “We focused on culture, travel, scenic elements and the impact of refugees, which is minimal. Lesvos, throughout its history, has never turned its back on anyone.”
“The local press described the documentary as a cinematic love letter. I tend to agree, as we love our island and this comes through what you will see on the big screen.” The documentary has been shown in theatres in London, Europe and Australia.
For more information:
Lesvos Earthquake Appeal: Bank of Sydney, Panlesvian Federation of Auastralia & NZ
BSB: 942201 Account: 1301381
Fundraiser BBQ in Sydney, Australia:
Sunday 2 July, 1pm-4pm, Mytilenean House, 225 Canterbury Rd, Canterbury, NSW. $10 entry.
This post was last modified on July 1, 2017 3:03 pm